5 Ways you damage your relationship with your child without even knowing it

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You may think that these behaviors are harmless or normal, but they can actually hurt the bond you have with your kid.

No parent is perfect. We’re all bound to make mistakes when interacting with our children, but most of us do try to make our bond with our children as strong as possible. However, some things we do that may seem harmless or normal can actually be hurting our relationship with our kids. Here are some ways you could be damaging your relationship with your child, as compiled from FamilyShare and Quora.

1. Constant criticism

We all want our children to become better, but constantly pointing out what they’re doing wrong can lead your child to believe that you’re disappointed in them. And not only that, criticism can also hurt their self-esteem.

Though it’s important to correct your child’s behavior, you should focus on teaching, not criticism. Teach your child what to do instead and focus on what they’re doing right. Try your best to maintain a 4:1 positive-negative feedback.

2. Overprotectiveness

It’s a dangerous world out there, and parents do need to take the necessary precautions. However, plenty of well-meaning parents end up going overboard. Their kids end up living in a bubble, totally sheltered from the real world. Thus, they don’t learn to stand up on their own two feet, nor do they learn self-confidence.

On the next page: more ways you could be damaging your relationship with your kids.

A lifestyle writer by day and a fictionist by night, Cristina can be found planning her next beach trip when she isn't working. She is a dog mommy to a Yorkshire terrier, who is turning four this year.